Students having a ‘ruff’ time physical distancing can now tune into Carleton University’s therapy dog sessions via Instagram.
Shannon Noonan, creator of the therapy dog program, said she was trying to think of a way she could respond to students requesting virtual sessions once classes were officially relocated online.
“First I did a photo challenge for the handlers to try to sort of at least still be posting some content,” said Noonan.
However, the program’s main Instagram account was soon flooded with live video requests.
Featuring her dalmatian named Elroy, Noonan said the first 15 minute-long session was successful, attracting approximately 150 viewers and an abundance of comments.
“People [were] writing, like, ‘this is exactly the content we need’ and ‘please do more of this,’ so it was easy for me to see that it doesn’t matter what we do, they’re going to like it anyway.” — Shannon Noonan, creator of Carleton University’s therapy dog program
After the piloting session, Noonan reached out to her fellow handlers within the program and provided instructions on how they too could hold virtual sessions with their pups. She said approximately seven or eight of the handlers have expressed interest in doing so.
“For them, it’s validating and brings them back to having that experience with connecting with community members,” said Noonan. “So for us, it makes sense to share it with other people and the students especially.”
Allie Davidson, handler of therapy dog Murphy, said she decided to participate because she is concerned for students.
“I am aware that this is a stressful time for a lot of people and a lot of students might not be able to get home to loved ones,” said Davidson.
“I really wanted to get involved with doing the live sessions online in an effort to bring a bit of brightness to students’ days.” — Allie Davidson, therapy dog Murphy’s handler
Davidson has held two sessions as of April 1 and said her experience so far has been a positive learning experience.
“We were thinking that students would just really love to see the dogs,” said Davidson. “And so I’m trying to figure out what my presence in those videos look like because it’s very different than a typical therapy dog visit.”
One of the features on Instagram allows livestream viewers to comment in real-time—Davidson said she enjoys this in particular.
“It allows students to give me feedback,” said Davidson. “For example, [on Monday], one student went ‘more belly-pats,’ so I made sure to do that.”
“As much as I loved seeing the puppies on campus, I’m glad they’re taking steps as well to keep everyone safe and for their own health,” said Belanger.
“They all have such big hearts to keep providing virtual therapy for students or anyone who follows them, it’s really heartwarming to see.” — Jenessa Belanger, fourth-year law student
While there currently is no schedule in place, Noonan said they are working on ensuring a different handler will go live each weekday and will post a photo in the morning on the main Instagram account to show which dog will be going live.
Without a fixed schedule, it allows the program to be more flexible for its handlers.
“I don’t want them to feel that this is a pressure added,” said Noonan.
Viewers can be alerted about the livestreams by turning on notifications for the @cutherapydog account on Instagram.
Featured image by Miranda Caley.
